I was completely charmed by the trailer for this gentle but gutsy comedy-drama about a single woman who journeys from Tokyo to California in search of her English instructor. What ensues, looks part buddy comedy, part culture clash fronted by a totally winsome leading actress (Shinobu Terajima). The feature-length movie, which began as director Atsuko Hirayanagi's 22-minute thesis for his MFA, has gone on to become a darling of the festival circuit, including nods at Cannes and at the Film Independent Spirit Awards. Oh, and the movie features IMDb fan favorite Josh Hartnett (late of "Penny Dreadful") in a comedy role, something we don't see enough of from the talented actor. — Bret

Notable as the final film of Anton Yelchin, the movie centers on two upper-class teenage girls in suburban Connecticut who rekindle their unlikely friendship after years of growing apart. The trailer gives the impression of a darkly funny film and with rising stars Olivia Cooke (Ready Player One) and Anya Taylor-Joy (Split) in the central roles, this should be seen before both stars go stratospheric. — Michael

Hard to believe it's been 15+ years since Rivers and Tides, the Andy Goldsworthy documentary that was an art-house hit and still serves as an example of how to film an artist's work with minimal intrusion on their process. While I was aware that part of this project is about Goldsworthy taking a road trip to find forms of inspiration, I didn't know until right now that Leaning Into the Wind reunites the artist with Rivers and Tides director Thomas Riedelsheimer! — Arno

I don't think I'd be as interested in this story if Evan Rachel Wood weren't playing the lead. Aside from her harrowing personal experiences with abuse (Wood is an outspoken advocate for victims of sexual abuse — recently lending her voice to a Congressional hearing on the matter), I admire Wood's choices in roles, which always finds her playing complex women. After watching the trailer for Allure, I am waiting to see exactly what drives her character to make such a decision. — Arno

In 2002, José Padilha stunned audiences with his masterful debut film Bus 174, a tense and riveting documentary about a hostage situation in Rio de Janeiro that was caught on camera. In 2007, Padilha leapt into the scripted world, keeping his documentary roots intact with the brilliant Elite Squad films and hit Netflix series "Narcos." With 7 Days in Entebbe, Padilha recounts another infamous hostage situation: Operation Entebbe, a successful counter-terrorist hostage-rescue mission at Entebbe Airport in Uganda in 1976. The raid has been referred to as the most daring and audacious rescue mission in history. — Matt

Consider me among the many who've appreciated the sculpture and paintings of Albert Giacometti without really knowing much about the man himself. So, I'm more than interested in this biodrama written and directed by IMDb fan favorite Stanley Tucci and starring Geoffrey Rush as the Italian artist. The movie traces Giacometti's friendship with an American critic and sometime portrait model (Armie Hammer). I'm looking forward to Rush playing yet another enigmatic and erratic titan of a character and providing some insight into the mental space of an artistic genius. — Bret

I'm always delighted by the incomparable Imelda Staunton, and the broad array of characters she has played is a credit to her incredible talent. From the stodgy hen Bunty in Chicken Run to the tragic Vera in the incredibly moving and thought-provoking Vera Drake (and everything in between), she always delivers. This time, she's joined by Timothy Spall, Celia Imrie, and Joanna Lumley in this tale of a late-in-life blossoming. The staid and sober Sandra (Staunton) rediscovers her youth after she leaves her husband, moves in with her Bohemian sister (Imrie), and starts attending dance classes. Just the thing to sweep away the winter cobwebs. — Pam